SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5298

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5298 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators White, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Fain, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Ericksen, Hill, Hobbs, Litzow, Ranker and Swecker.

Background: The installation and maintenance of signs along state highways are governed by the Highway Advertising Control Act, also know as the Scenic Vistas Act under RCW 47.42. The Scenic Vistas Act limits signs and billboards on highways advertising off-site commercial activity to installation in industrial or commercial areas only. Additionally, a permit is required from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for installation of signs advertising off-site activities. Certain size, lighting, and spacing requirements also apply. Signs with moving parts or lighting which is considered to be flashing, intermittent, or moving are also prohibited. Under current law, the prohibition on intermittent lighting is considered a prohibition on digital signs and no digital signs advertizing off-site activities are currently permitted by DOT.

Several other states have set up coordinated programs between sign owners and law enforcement agencies that allow for emergency information, such as AMBER alerts, to be displayed on commercial electronic signs billboards.

Trivision signs (signs that rotate mechanically to display a different message) advertising off-site activities are allowable under federal law along non-interstate highways only. Trivision signs must rotate no more frequently than every eight seconds, and the rotation process must be accomplished in four seconds or less.

Summary of Substitute Bill: Owners of digital outdoor advertising signs visible to state highways and only within incorporated cities and towns must coordinate with law enforcement and emergency management authorities to display emergency alerts, when appropriate. Contracts must be on a voluntary basis and may not include compensation. Digital advertising signs are allowable within incorporated cities and towns visible to state highways in commercial or industrial areas as long as they only contain static messages. A static message may not include changes in lighting or the appearance of movement.

Before any digital outdoor advertising signs are installed, DOT must adopt rules relating to the brightness of digital signs and to allow for the change of copy. Rules must be adopted by December 31, 2011.

Nothing in this act is to be construed as preempting any local restrictions relating to outdoor advertising signs.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: The bill removes artificial barriers to advertising. Technology has evolved and this bill will help stimulate the advertising industry. This legislation does not allow moving images on signs. Time is of the essence when it comes to broadcasting AMBER alerts, and this is a great tool to have out on the roadways.

OTHER: Using digital billboards is a fast option for communicating information with the public in emergency situations.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Olivia Lippens, Clear Channel; Myrle Carner, Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound; Ed Troyer, Crime Stoppers of Tacoma.

OTHER: Stephanie Schro, American Red Cross.